Papai Noel
/paˈpaj noˈɛw/
The English phrase "santa" is translated into Portuguese as Papai Noel.
Papai Noel refers to the legendary figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve. While the English-inspired term Santa may be understood by Portuguese speakers, Papai Noel is the standard name for the character.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Papai Noel literally translates to "Daddy Noel".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, Papai Noel is the most common way to refer to the character. However, in some regions of Brazil, particularly in the Northeast, people may also use the term Bom Velhinho.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈpaj noˈɛw/
Did you know?
- The name Papai Noel is a linguistic hybrid that actually traces its roots back to the French name Père Noël.
- In some traditional Portuguese households, the figure of Papai Noel shares the spotlight with the Três Reis Magos, or the Three Wise Men, who also bring gifts.
- While Papai Noel is the standard, the Americanized term Santa has become increasingly common in Brazilian marketing and pop culture due to global influence.
Examples in context
- O Papai Noel existe?Is Santa Claus real?This sentence is useful for asking if Papai Noel is a real person.Tatoeba #5557162 by bill, translation #2705452 by WestofEden
- Papai Noel não é real.Santa Claus isn't real.This sentence is useful for stating that Papai Noel is not real.Tatoeba #10781300 by DavidDias, translation #10661968 by AutoBot
- Papai Noel anda de trenó.Santa Claus rides a sleigh.This sentence is useful for describing how Papai Noel travels.Tatoeba #9053390 by carlosalberto, translation #9053419 by carlosalberto
- Este ano, o Pai Natal trouxe-me muitos presentes.This year, Father Christmas brought me many gifts.
- O desfile do Pai Natal é amanhã na praça central.The Father Christmas parade is tomorrow in the central square.
- Acreditas mesmo que o Papai Noel existe?Do you really believe in Santa Claus?
- O Papai Noel vai visitar todas as crianças na véspera de Natal.Santa Claus will visit all the children on Christmas Eve.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are decorating the Christmas tree.
- GabrielOnde vamos colocar os presentes do Papai Noel?Where are we going to put Father Christmas's gifts?
- BeatrizPodemos colocar embaixo da árvore, Gabriel.We can put them under the tree, Gabriel.
- GabrielSerá que o Papai Noel vem hoje?I wonder if Father Christmas is coming today?
- BeatrizEle vem na noite de Natal, querido.He comes on Christmas Eve, dear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Papai Noel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Papai Noel, papai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
